"From Dream to Sun" is the slogan of this year's observances of Macedonia's biggest holiday - August 2 (Republic Day), celebrating the 70. anniversary of the Anti-fascist Assembly for the National Liberation of Macedonia (ASNOM) and 111 years from the Ilinden Uprising.

The programme for the August 2 observance includes series of sporting, cultural, educational and statehood events.

"What our ancestors have built is the most solid foundation for our future. The dream they fought for is the freedom we are living today. Let's move forward towards a safe future, because each new victory is a new Ilinden for coming generations. This is the message that Macedonia wants to send from this year's observance of August 2, symbolically linking past, presence and future, using them in the providing a better future for all citizens of Macedonia and its development", said Aleksandar Gjorgjiev at Saturday's press conference.

According to him, the observance will include the Veterans' Union, Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Macedonian Radio Television, as well as all municipalities.

President Gjorge Ivanov will address the main event in Skopje, Parliament Speaker Trajko Veljanoski will deliver a speech in Krusevo, whereas Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski will attend the event in Pelince.